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Smart Sync and Quick Preview on Mac
Smart Sync causes my quick preview function (spacebar) to not function properly on my Mac. I can't preview thumbnails, or quick preview any videos or photos. Any ideas why this happens?
Likely because you're trying to preview a file that doesn't exist on your computer.
When you set a file to Online Only, the only thing that's left of that file on your computer is the necessary information to make it appear in the folder. Since there's no content in the file, your OS (nor any other program) is able to preview it.
Remember, when you set a file to Online Only, the file is removed from the computer leaving behind only a marker file. In order to access that file, whether it be to open and edit it or simply preview it, the file needs to be on the computer (Smart Sync doesn't allow you to open files directly from the Dropbox servers). When you open a file, it's synced back to your local drive and then opened as normal. When you're done with the file, if you want it to be online-only again, you need to mark it as such.
Jane
Dropbox Staff
Dropbox StaffThanks for pinging me back here & apologies for the slight delay in getting back in touch with you Ideal1! I’ve created a ticket on our system on your behalf & you could have a look at your inbox for my message at your earliest convenience, in order to work on that a bit closer together. Thanks again for your cooperation!
So... Clearly this problem affects all (well, many) Mac users. You now know that it's nothing to do with version or OS and you kow it's not related to online-only files so... It's a bug.
Can you assure us you are working on a solution? I, like many, only too the pro option because of Smart Sync and clearly it ain't that Smart!
- Jane
Hello Jane,
Yes of course. My email is [personal information removed by moderation for security reasons] (as written).
Now, as several others have quite clearly indicated in this thread the problem is this: once Smart Sync has been enabled, the Mac Quick Preview function, no longer works for either remote or local files in or out of the local Dropbox folder. Restarting the Finder (either through a terminal command or by 'Force Quit') will temporarily restore the function but if you should venture to preview a remote (cloud-only) Dropbox image file again, the functionallity will stop working.
Judging by the thread of comments, the problem seems to occur irrespective of Mac OS version or Dropbox version. Indeed, I have a 2011 Macbook running High Sierra and a 2013 Macbook Air running Mojave and the problem is the same.
PS. The ability to preview remote files is, I would suggest, an essential function, otherwise the benefit of remote file pointers under Smart Sync is questionable.
- Jane
- Any solution?
No solution and no acknowledgement that the problem exists – so far – but I'm in touch with Dropbox support by email so progress is being made which I gratefully acknowledge.
Dropbox we all expect so much more from you.
Here's how to recreate the problem:
- Install Smart Sync on any Mac.
- Quick View any remote (Online only) image file. You'll see a reduced thumbnail preview (which we love and is an essential part of the service!).
- After 10 'Quick Views' of remote files the Quick View function will stop working for any file regardless of whether the file is remote or local or whether it is contained within the Dropbox folder at all.
- Re-launch Finder using either Force-Quit or a Terminal kill command.
- Quick View is restored unless you attempt step 2 again!
Thank you Dropbox.
PS. Please, please remove the 'solved' tag on this thread. It is most certainly not.
- Jane
